Roger Kiwimagi

Roger Kiwimagi passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at his home in Parker, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Roger was born on July 16, 1936, in North Dakota to George and Alvina (Palasma) Kiwimagi. When he was just five years old, he lost his mother, Alvina. He was then raised by his father, George, alongside his older brother, Donald, on their farm south of South Heart, ND.

Roger attended country school, where he later returned to teach. His childhood was filled with time spent near his Aunt Bobbi, Uncle Duke, and cousins, with whom he remained close throughout his life.

At 17, Roger experienced another profound loss when his father passed away. With Donald serving in the Navy, Roger enlisted in the Army. After his service, he returned home and put himself through college at Dickinson State University—driving a cab to pay his way. It was during this time that a warm smile and kind heart caught the attention of a young nurse, Bernadette Steffan. They were married on December 27, 1961.

Soon after, the couple moved to Knoxville, TN, where Roger pursued a doctorate fellowship and earned master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Their life together was one of learning, laughter, and love. They moved to New York then Colorado, where they settled in Boulder. During these early years of their marriage they welcomed two daughters, Susan and Lori. In Boulder they expanded their family further with two sons, Gary and James.

Roger lived a life of service and devotion—to his wife, his children, his friends, and his community. He taught his kids how to ski, fish, ride horses, and appreciate the outdoors. Weekends were spent camping, boating, mountain climbing, water skiing, and motorcycling. He created a childhood filled with adventure and love.

A man of many talents, Roger was also a gifted artist and musician. He brought joy through his drawings, wooden and clay sculptures, songs on the guitar and piano, and the playful stories he made up for his children—including the legendary pancake doghouse.

Roger's creativity extended to engineering and building. Whether it was a patio, grill, irrigation system, playhouse, sleigh, or puppet stage, he poured care and craftsmanship into every project. His generosity and talent touched both family and friends.

After an early retirement from IBM, Roger continued to teach, sharing his knowledge at colleges in Texas, Guam, and eventually back at Dickinson State University. He and Bernadette embraced retirement by traveling widely—exploring the country in their motorhome, sailing their 36-foot boat “DaJoLiKat,” and riding Roger’s Goldwing motorcycle on long tours. He even took up scuba diving.

Roger was a proud and grateful friend of Bill W. for nearly 50 years, dedicating countless hours to personal growth and mentoring others. He volunteered in prisons to help men find sobriety and purpose.

In his final years, Roger lived with Bernadette and his son Gary’s family, enjoying the beauty of Colorado, the company of his loved ones, and helping his wife tend the garden. His son James lived nearby in Denver, adding to the closeness of their later years.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Bernadette; his children, Susan (Jerry) Davis of Huntsville, AL; Lori (Ace) Acevedo of Minot, ND; Gary (Sharon) Kiwimagi of Parker, CO; and James Kiwimagi of Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Joshua (Gina), Katherine (Sihong), David (Alexis), Emily (Kyle), Carrie, and Anton; and his great-grandchildren, Oliver, Elsie, Nathaniel, and Liliana. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews an in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alvina Kiwimagi; his brother, Donald; his Aunt Bobbi (Kaspberg) and Uncle Duke Kivamagi; and his cherished granddaughter, Lindsay Davis.

Roger leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and boundless love. He will be remembered always for the way he lived.